Fall Nail Color Favorites

Hello! 
In honor of the first day of fall today, I wanted to share some fall nail polish colors. I love the bright colors of spring and summer, but it is always a nice change to use darker colors.

Essie:
Bahama Mama- Warm Plum
Vested Interest- Ashy blue-gray
Smokin' Hot- Dark Gray with a Hint of Purple
Sure Shot- Magenta

O.P.I.
Ski Teal We Drop- Dark Teal 
DS Extravagance- Magenta with Sparkles
A Woman's Prague-ative- Copper Orange
Over the Taupe- Dark Taupe

China Glaze
Tongue and Chic- Teal with a Metallic Finish
Rose Tea Specialty- Light Pink, Rose
Heart of Africa- Deep Red
Stellar- Light Gold Glitter

Revlon Colorstay:
Spanish Moss- Green with a Gray Undertone
French Roast- Warm Medium Brown
Amethyst- Deep Purple
Vintage Rose- Similar to Rose Tea Specialty by China Glaze, but a little darker

I just bought Bahama Mama from Essie and love it. What are some of your favorite fall nail colors?
Thanks for visiting! 

Essie All in One Top Coat Review

Hello!
I recently bought Essie All in One 3-Way Glaze. It is a top coat, base coat and a strengthener. I tried it for the time when I did the post, how to make nail polish last longer. I have to say that I really like this for a base and top coat. I have tried many, and so far this is my favorite.

 

I was using a top and bases coat in one by OPI and it made my nails split and made the very brittle. I was tired of having to cut my nails to nothing so I tried one by Sally Hansen. It made my polish completely peel off after a couple of days, which was frustrating. I finally broke down and got the Essie one and it helped my nail polish last for a lot longer. I kept the polish on for a total of 8 days. It lasted a good 4 days before it started to chip. This is awesome compared to the usual 2 days it usually lasts. I took pictures throughout the week to show how long it lasted.

The polish didn't chip until day 5 and gradually chipped more. On the day 4 picture, a couple of my nails looked like they had scratches on them. My guess is because I started doing things before my nails were completely dry. Overall This product worked really well. It leaves a nice glossy finish and it also dries fairly quick.  Before applying the base coat I removed any oils on my nails with nail polish remover. I applied the base coat, then 2 coats of Essie nail polish, then the top coat. I let my nails dry for about 10 minutes between coats to make sure it was dry before applying the next. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone wanting their polish to last longer. 

thanks for visiting!

What's in my Makeup Bag

Hello everyone!
In honor of school starting today I thought I would show you what I have in my makeup bag that I keep in my backpack, or purse if I'm using a larger one. I use a Vera Bradley cosmetic bag. I like it because it has plastic lining on the inside so its easy to clean if something leaks.

1. Hand Sanitizer- This one is in the scent eucalyptus mint from Bath and Body works. It smells good, but the scent is a little too strong. Even when I don't carry my makeup bag I like to keep hand sanitizer in my purse to use before I eat.
2. Perfume- Most of the time I wear Taylor Swift's Wonderstruck perfume, so I keep the smaller one in my bag.
3. Lip Color- I use the Revlon Lip Butter in the color Juicy Papaya. It is a peachy color that is fairly sheer on the lips. I like that it isn't too bright, but adds just enough color to my lips.
4. Foot Works Anti-Rub Blister Stick (from Avon)- I like to keep this in my bag for when I wear shoes that rub on my heels. I didn't expect this product to work when I first got it, but surprisingly it does. Whenever my shoes rub my heels I apply a little bit of it and it prevents it from getting worse.
5. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder- I have combination skin, so I keep this product to touch up my makeup when I'm on campus all day. I normally keep blotting sheets as well and use them before I use the powder so my face doesn't look cakey.
6. Maybelline Fit Me Blush- I also keep this for touch ups when I'm on campus all day. This color is in medium pink.
7. Lotion- This lotion is Beautiful Day from Bath and Body Works. It is from their new collection. It has a nice fresh, floral scent.
8. The last thing I like to keep is a small mirror.

I also keep a couple of hair ties and bobby pins so I can throw my hair up.
Thanks for visiting!
Kelly

Tips to Make Nail Polish Last Longer

Hello! I hate when I take the time to paint my nails and then the next day they chip. These are some of the tips and tricks I have learned to help nail polish last longer.

                                                     Essie: First Timer, Essie All in One 3-Way Glaze

Step 1: Before applying any polish, use a nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to remove any oils on your nails. 
Step 2: Use a base coat. The will prevent your nails from become stained by dark polish and will help nail polish last longer.
Step 3: Apply multiple thin coats of nail polish, instead of one thick coat. 
Step 4: Let each coat dry completely before applying the next coat to prevent bubbles.
Step 5: Finish with a thin layer of top coat. Apply it around the tip of your nail and under, to protect the ends from chipping (pictured below)

 Additional Tips:

• Avoid soaking your hands in water.
• Every day or every other day, reapply a top coat.
• Find a quality top coat. I have tried many and it really makes a difference! This is the first time I have used Essie's All-in One 3-Way Glaze Top Coat. I like it so far, but I will do a review after I use it a couple of times.
• Instead of shaking the nail polish, roll the bottle between your hands. This helps prevent air bubbles from forming.

Thanks for visiting! 
Kelly 

How to Apply Foundation

Prepping your skin: Before applying foundation, make sure you start with a clean "canvas" by washing your face with your favorite face wash. The next step is to apply a toner which is optional. Toners help to restore the pH balance of skin that cleansers and scrubs can disrupt. I recommend using an alcohol free toner to prevent drying your skin out. Next is to apply a moisturizer. This is important even if you have oily skin, like me. I have tried a lot of oil-free moisturizers but my favorite is Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. It is very light on my skin and it does not leave my skin feeling oily. Another optional step is to apply primer. This can help to make your makeup last longer, it minimizes pores and it even out your skin tone.

Applying Foundation:There are a few different ways to apply foundation:

• Foundation Brush
• Sponge/ Beauty Blender
• Flat Top Kabuki Brush
• Fingers

With the first 3 methods you can either dot the foundation onto your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin and then use the brush to blend it out. Or you can apply the foundation to the back of your hand and dip the brush lightly into it and apply to your face. You want to make sure you are always working for the inner parts of your face and working it out. This prevents the dreaded makeup line around your face.

Method 1: Foundation Brush
Using the wide side of the brush start making downward and outward strokes. Making small 'x' motions can help blend it in also. Use the skinny edge to apply the foundation to the sides of your nose. It takes some practice using this brush, but when you get the hang of it, it is easy to do without streaks. This method is nice because it can be used for a light or full coverage depending on how much foundation you use.

There is also a concealer brush that looks like this foundation brush, but is smaller that can be used to apply concealer under the eyes and to blemishes.

 


Method 2:  Flat Top Kabuki Brush
A flat top brush is a very dense brush that tends to apply the foundation thicker then other methods. Again, you can either dot the foundation on your face, or dip the brush into foundation that is on the back of your hand. Using small, circular motions, buff the product into your skin working from the inner part of your face, out. This creates a flawless, airbrushed look.

Method 3: Sponges and Beauty Blender
Sponges and the Beauty Blender leave the skin with a nice, dewy look. It gives a more natural finish and can be quite sheer, almost like a tinted moisturizer. To apply use the wide part of the sponge to apply the foundation to your entire face, then us the small edge to blend it into the sides of your nose and around your eyes. Sponges tend to soak up a lot of the product, but if you dampen it before use, it can help prevent it. This is not the method to use if you want a full coverage application.


Method 4: Fingers
This method is quick, easy and cheap. Before you start, make sure your hands are clean. You don't want to spread dirt and bacteria on your face. I dispense 1 pump of foundation onto the tips of my fingers. I blend it between my hands to warm it up and then I apply it to my face. Like the other methods I start in the center of my face and work outwards. I then like to use a stippling brush (like a flat top kabuki brush, but a lot less dense.) I make sure it is all blended into my skin by making small circular motions with the brush.

Final Touches:The final step is to apply concealer and to set your foundation. I apply concealer underneath my eyes and on any blemishes I have. I make sure it is blended well using my fingers or the beauty blender. I then take a translucent powder and a powder brush to set my foundation. I put a small amount of powder on the brush and then make small circular motions with the brush. I apply it this way to prevent smudging any foundation or concealer. If you have dry skin you can either skip the powder, or only apply it to your t-zone.
Apply some blush and eye makeup, and your face is ready to go!

• A tip for anyone with oily skin is to take a tissue (without lotion) and peel it into the 2 pieces. After you apply your liquid foundation take one of the thin pieces of tissue and blot your face. This gets rid of any excess oil from the makeup. 

Thanks for visiting! 
Kelly